Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted

Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted is the highest rated of the three Madagascar films, but by far my least favorite.  Whereas the first two movies were fairly enjoyable, the third installment is weak on character development and plot.  Instead, it is child level cartoon with over the top action sequences and out of place annoying musical numbers.  The movie tries to give us a couple of emotional moments involving a circus tiger, but these don't work particularly well.

It is a pity, because I like these characters.

It also ranks for me way below Penguins of Madagascar, which is enjoyable just as a cartoon.

A great deal of money gets spent on full length feature animated films.  The ones from Pixar have been mostly fantastic.  Pixar knows how to give us good stories that resonate emotionally.  Dreamworks Animation can't seem to rise to the same level.  Pixar is kicking Dreamworks butt.

Madagascar 3 cost $154 million to make and made $747 million at the box office.

Rating:  * *

Some might say that this is O.K. for children, but I say children deserve better.